Supporting partners
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Welcome to our Explore Weekend guide!
“We’re looking forward to sharing a weekend with you in North Wales this September. We feel there is no better way to mark our 90th anniversary than by bringing everyone together to enjoy the outdoors. Since 1933 we have been coming to North Wales to climb and hike and it’s a place that holds special memories for us.”
Mark, Rob, and Ellis Brigham
With over 100 hours of outdoor activities on offer over the weekend, there will be something for everyone. We want you, your friends, and your family to get the most from your time in North Wales, enjoying as many activities as possible. This guide will help you explore what’s on and plan how to spend your weekend.
If you have any specific questions not covered by our FAQs, please email explore@ellis-brigham.com, and we will be happy to help with your query.
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CONTENTS
Page 3
Activities Summary
Page 5 Explore Hike
Page 7 Explore Run
Page 9 Explore Climb
Page 11 Explore Water
Page 13 Campfire
Page 17 Map and FAQs
CHECK-IN
Location: Glanllyn Lakeside Caravan & Camping Park
Llanuwchllyn, Bala, North Wales, LL23 7SS
What3Words:
///topmost.venturing.climber
When: Check-in for the campsite opens at 15:00, Friday 15th September.
Upon arrival, please visit the checkin desk and present your booking confirmation. Our team will then assign you a pitch and provide you with information about the site for the weekend. You will also receive wristbands to help us identify you as a registered guest.
To reduce waste, there is no need to print any confirmations, instead, you can present them digitally on your phone. No extra paperwork is needed for parking passes or activity confirmations.
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We have designed our Explore Weekend activities to be as wide-ranging and inclusive as possible. As many events are taking place, we have included a summary of each. Please note that some activities may have specific kit or experience requirements.
Explore Water
with Red Paddle Co and Zone3
Explore Hiking with The North Face
Whether you are new to the hills, a seasoned hiker, or just keen to experience a guided hike, these sessions will suit you. Our partners, The North Face, have brought together a selection of ambassadors to make this the very best hiking experience. The guides have planned routes ranging from local hikes to ascending North Wales’s most dramatic peak, Cadair Idris.
Join us on or in the water with our swim and paddle board guides. We’ll have certified swim coach and Welsh international swimmer Jamie Price from Zone3, who will give you some essential Open Water Swimming skills and aid you in honing your swim technique.
For those who want to be on the water rather than in it, we will be joined by the team at Red Paddle Co. Beginners can learn the paddle boarding basics, and the more experienced can explore the lake on our SUPfari.
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Explore Trail Running with Pure Trails and Salomon
Explore Trail Running is for anyone wanting to pick up tips from fellow runners, improve technique, and take their running to the next level. Led by our partners Pure Trails and Salomon, the running guides have planned routes for every distance, from 5Ks to a full day in the mountains.
CAMPFIRE
In association with Montane
Explore Climbing with Rab
Hosted by Rab, these sessions offer something for climbers of every skill level. We have introductory sessions run by qualified climbing instructors, plus sessions aimed at more experienced climbers. For the introductory course, we’ll start easy and build things up to suit everyone.
The Campfire area is our hub for the weekend, where we will host our Forest School, cooking demos, first aid workshops, and lots more. It is also the location of our food vans, bar and Repair & Restore Workshop. Our Montane Marquee is found here where our Explore and Endeavour talks will take place.
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Explore Hiking with
The North Face
FULL-DAY GUIDED HIKE
Cadair Idris offers some of the most spectacular views in Parc Eryri (Snowdonia National Park). On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction, taking in the rugged Welsh coastline, rolling hills, and the distant peaks of the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) massif. Our route will require a 40-minute coach ride to and from the start point.
Open to:
Reasonable level of fitness needed
When:
Saturday 08:30 - 17:00
Sunday 08:30 - 16:00
Meeting location:
The North Face area at Campfire
Requirements:
You will need to carry your own kit, including a waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm layer, food, and water.
HALF-DAY GUIDED HIKE
Our half-day guided trail is an excellent opportunity to explore the area local to the campsite, taking in the magnificent views around Llyn Tegid (Lake Bala).
Open to: All When: Saturday 09:00 - 12:00 & 13:00 - 16:00
Sunday 09:00 - 12:00 & 13:00 - 16:00
Meeting location: The North Face area at Campfire
Requirements:
You will need to carry your own kit, including a waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm layer, food, and water.
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NAVIGATION
Want to sharpen your navigation skills or learn the basics? Then this session will set you on the right path to becoming a confident navigator. We will start our session looking at the navigation basics and then head out to hone and test our newly found nav skills!
Open to: All
When: Saturday 09:00 - 12:00 & 13:00 - 16:00
Sunday 09:00 - 12:00 & 13:00 - 16:00
Meeting location: The North Face area at Campfire
Requirements: You will need to carry your own kit, including a waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm layer, food, and water
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Explore RUN
with Pure Trails and Salomon
TWILIGHT RUN
What better way is there to burn off all the excitement after getting set up for the weekend than joining us for a 5km run! A great out-and-back along the path into Bala will leave you wanting more. This is a guided run and not a timed race.
Open to: All
When: Friday 18:30 - 19:30
Meeting location: Run Hub at Campfire
Requirements:
Running clothing and shoes
PURE TRAILS RUN AND SHINE 5K
Rise & shine with us! The team from Pure Trails have set out a route along the lakeside. Join us for a 5/6km route that will stay local. This is a group run and not a timed race.
Open to: All
When:
Saturday 07:00 - 08:00
Sunday 07:00 - 08:00
Meeting location: Run Hub at Campfire
Requirements:
Running clothing and shoes
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LAKE RUN
Enjoy a beautiful 10-12km route that explores the edge of Llyn Tegid (Lake Bala). The run will take you along a section of the Snowdonia National Trail, ascending the foothills to a height of 280 metres and offering good views of the Aran and Arenig mountains.
Open to: Over 18s
When: Saturday 09:00 - 11:00 & 13:00 - 15:00
Sunday 09:00 - 11:00 & 13:00 - 15:00
Meeting location: Run Hub at Campfire
Requirements:
You will need to carry your own kit, including a waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm layer, food, water, and a charged mobile phone
MOUNTAIN RUN
Up for a challenge and ready to take your running to the next level? This will be a full day out exploring the mountains of North Wales. We will talk about gear, mountain safety, and anything else you might want to know to keep you safe in the hills!
Open to:
Over 18s, previous mountain running experience needed
When:
Saturday 09:00 - 15:00
Sunday 09:00 - 15:00
Meeting location: Run Hub at Campfire
Requirements: You will need to carry your own kit, including a waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm layer, food, water, and a charged mobile phone
SALOMON HOW TO TRAIL RUN
Salomon’s How to Trail Run workshop is for anyone who wants to improve their running form. It will cover everything you need to know as a new trail runner, plus how to improve up-hill running, power hiking, down-hill running, and how to fine-tune your training, nutrition, and hydration.
Open to: All
When: Saturday 09:00 - 11:00, 12:00 - 14:00 & 15:00 - 17:00
Sunday 09:00 - 11:00 & 12:00 - 14:00
Meeting location: Run Hub at Campfire
Requirements: Running clothing and shoes
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Explore CLIMB with Rab
CLIMBING
We have teamed up with Rab to help you reach new heights with your climbing! This top-roping session is an excellent opportunity for anyone who has climbed indoors and wants to try real rock for the first time. We’ll be heading to a local crag that’s a short minibus ride away.
Open to: All
When:
Saturday 09:00 - 16:00
Sunday 09:00 - 16:00
Meeting location: Run Hub at Campfire. This activity takes place off site.
Requirements: Outdoor clothing suitable to climb in, a warm layer, food, and water. Climbing shoes and safety equipment will all be supplied.
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INTRODUCTION TO TRAD CLIMBING
This is a great session for those wanting to take their first steps into the world of traditional climbing while supported by a qualified instructor. You’ll learn about the gear you need and how to place it, plus many other tips and tricks. Taking place at a local crag, we’ll start easy and build things up to suit everyone, helping you to gain confidence in your trad climbing skills.
Open to: All
When:
Saturday 09:00 - 12:45
Sunday 09:00 - 12:45
Meeting location: Rab area at Campfire. This activity takes place off-site.
Requirements:
Outdoor clothing suitable to climb in, a warm layer, food, and water.
FURTHER TRAD CLIMBING
Would you like to take your trad skills to the next level? Learn how to be safer on the rock, rack up gear efficiently, and other advanced skills in these sessions.
Open to: All
When:
Saturday 13:00 - 17:00
Sunday 13:00 - 16:00
Meeting location: Rab area at Campfire. This activity takes place off-site.
Requirements:
Outdoor clothing suitable to climb in, a warm layer, food, and water.
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Explore WATER
with Red Paddle Co and Zone3
POLAR BEAR DIP
Come and set yourself up for the day ahead with a cold-water dip. Zone3 will be on standby should you wish to use a wetsuit, equally we encourage being brave and going in without one. Available between 7 and 8am, but don’t worry, you don’t have to stay in for an hour!
Open to: All
When:
Saturday 07:00 - 08:00
Sunday 07:00 - 08:00
Meeting location: Beach hut
Requirements:
Zone3 will have some wetsuits available, but you may wish to use your own.
Please bring warm clothing and a towel down to the beach with you.
INTRO TO OPEN WATER SWIMMING
This is the perfect session for those looking to try open-water swimming for the first time. Zone3 will guide you through it, making sure you get the most enjoyment out of it while doing so safely.
Open to: Competent swimmers
When: Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 & 13:00 - 14:00
Sunday 10:00 - 11:00
Meeting location: Beach hut
Requirements: Zone3 will have some wetsuits available, but you may wish to use your own.
Please bring warm clothing and a towel down to the beach with you.
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INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED WATER SKILLS
Want to take your swimming to the next level? Then join this session, where Zone3 will dive deeper into the tips and techniques to help improve your swimming.
Open to: Competent swimmers
When:
Saturday 15:00 - 16:00
Sunday 13:00 - 14:00
Meeting location: Beach hut
Requirements: Zone3 will have some wetsuits available, but you may wish to use your own.
Please bring warm clothing and a towel down to the beach with you.
TRY PADDLE BOARDING
Our armada of Red Paddle Co boards will be available to take out on the water from 9am - 4pm daily no booking necessary. Usage will be limited to 30 minutes at busy times.
SUPFARI ADVENTURE TOUR
Join us for a tour of the lake with our stand up paddle board instructors. You’ll spend two hours on the lake with a qualified instructor, gaining tips and advice on the fundamentals of paddle boarding and how to get the most out of your paddling experience.
Open to: Competent swimmers
When:
Saturday 09:00 - 11:00, 12:00 - 14:00 & 15:00 - 17:00
Sunday 09:00 - 11:00 & 12:00 - 14:00
Meeting location: Beach hut
Requirements: Outdoor clothing, towel or dry robe, dry bag.
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CAMPFIRE
WAKE UP AND SHINE YOGA
For the yoga inquisitive or those who make it a part of their everyday routine, this session hosted by our friend Ceri will have something for everyone to help start your day the best way. Wake up and shine with a gently flowing yoga practice to stretch and strengthen the body, breathing to bring the mind and body into balance at a pace to create space for cultivating inner peace.
Open to: All
When:
Saturday 07:00 - 08:00
Sunday 07:00 - 08:00
Meeting location: Beach hut
Requirements:
Comfortable, loose clothing. Please bring a mat (camping mat is fine), and a cushion or pillow for seated support.
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INTRODUCTION TO MOUNTAIN FIRST AID
Martin Sweeney from Borderlands
First Aid hosts this two-hour session designed to improve your confidence in administering emergency first aid in the mountains. He will cover everything from equipment for safety and outdoor first aid, summoning help, and how to manage the shelter and insulation of casualties.
Open to: All
When: Saturday 09:00 - 12:00
Meeting location: Montane Marquee at Campfire
Requirements:
Outdoor clothing, a pen & paper if you wish to take notes.
MOUNTAIN FIRST AID ESSENTIALS
In this session, Martin will run through the essentials of Mountain First Aid, including what equipment, shelter, and insulation to pack. He will also cover proactive vital sign monitoring, decision-making and techniques for moving casualties with injuries, control of bleeding, plus CPR.
Open to: All
When: Saturday 14:00 - 17:00
Meeting location: Montane Marquee at Campfire
Requirements: Outdoor clothing, a pen & paper if you wish to take notes.
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OUTDOOR COOKING TALK & DEMO WITH MSR
Expedition chef Kieran Creevy hosts this two-hour session. Kieran is an MSR ambassador, writer and International Mountain Leader with over 20 years of experience cooking outdoors. In these sessions, he will rustle up some camp food while sharing tips on outdoor cooking. The session will consist of demonstrations, with the chance to create your own recipes – all ingredients will be supplied.
Open to: All (children require adult supervision)
When:
Saturday 12:00 - 14:00
Sunday 12:00 - 14:00
Meeting location:
Campfire area
Requirements: Outdoor clothing.
FOREST SCHOOL
Hosted by our friends at Elfennau Gwyllt (Wild Elements), our forest school is an opportunity to explore everything you can do in nature, from bug hunts to whittling and fire lighting plus archery, knot tying, tree ID, and natural crafts. There will be plenty to do to keep the whole family entertained outdoors!
Open to: All (children require adult supervision)
When: Saturday 10:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 - 16:00
Meeting location: Campfire area
Requirements: Outdoor clothing.
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REPAIR & RESTORE WORKSHOP WITH GORE-TEX, GRANGERS, & SCOTTISH MOUNTAIN GEAR
Add years to your much-loved gear with our repair station. Gear will be repaired free of charge at our Repair & Restore workshop thanks to our fantastic partners GORE-TEX, Grangers, and Scottish Mountain Gear.
Open to: All
When:
Saturday 09:00 - 18:00
Sunday 09:00 - 18:00
Meeting location: Montane Marquee at Campfire
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• Download the timetable of events HERE
• Read our FAQs HERE
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